Welcome to the new and improved Playbooks and Profits weblog now with extra-strength technology.

Lots to catch up on, with one of the most interesting developing stories being efforts to "reform" amateur, pre-collegiate basketball. The NCAA and NBA last month issued a joint statement that recognized a need to improve not only youths' basketball skills, but also "the social and educational development of youth basketball players throughout the United States."

But realistically, how likely do you think the sneaker companies will dial back their aggressive push to discover -- and gain the loyalty of -- the next Lebron James? $90 million says not very.

And speaking of which, Nike recently issued its first-quarter financial results and updated its annual report with the information that, as SportsBusinessJournal notes, (subscription required for access), the company estimates it will pay $1.9 billion in endorsement cash over the next five years to athletes, teams and leagues. That's about $259 million higher than the $1.64 billion that it cited in its annual report in July. The figure was amended for performance bonuses and contracts signed since the annual report, according to SBJ.